Kordia New Zealand is expanding its cyber-security portfolio with the purchase of Wellington-based Aura Information Security for $10.02 million.

As the telco continues to grow its footprint in cyber-security, the company says the Aura deal “catapults it to becoming New Zealand’s leading cyber-security business” - following “unprecedented demand” for services in this sector.

Founded in 2001 by entrepreneur Andy Prow, Aura is one of New Zealand’s leading cyber-security company and provides specialist computer and network security services throughout the country, as well as in Australia and the US.

Kordia’s Chief Executive Scott Bartlett says cyber-security is one of the single biggest challenges facing business globally.

“The recently published Institute of Directors Sentiment Survey showed that only 27 per cent of New Zealand boards are confident of their ability to deal with a cyber-security incident,” he says.

“It highlights the risk to New Zealand business, and the need for the sort of expert, trusted advice that Aura provides.

“Kordia has been active in this market for a couple of years. There is strong demand for these services already, and the growth curve is steepening.

“This acquisition equips Kordia to further advance our security strategy and meet the demands of our current and potential customer base.”

Prow says all Aura personnel are being retained and key Aura staff members Mark Keegan and Peter Bailey join the Kordia executive committee in their current roles of consulting practice manager and manager service delivery respectively.

As a part of the transaction, Kordia will become an agent for the RedShield web application shielding service in New Zealand and Australia.

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